Redleaf rose
Rosa glauca
Redleaf rose (Rosa glauca) is a shrub suited to the Colorado Front Range. It matures to about 4–7 ft tall and 4–6 ft wide, needs low water, and prefers full sun to partial shade. Distinctive blue-gray foliage; single pink flowers; ornamental red hips persist into winter.
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At a glance
- Botanical name
- Rosa glauca
- Variety / cultivar
- (species, Plant Select)
- Type
- Shrub
- Mature size
- 4–7 ft tall and 4–6 ft wide
- Planting spacing
- ~6 ft apart (4 ft for a hedge/screen)
- Hedge use
- Informal hedge or screen
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 3–9
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Water needs
- low water
- Sun
- Best in full sun; tolerates partial shade.
- Colorado native
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Soil
- clay, loam, sandy
- Soil pH
- 6.5–8.0
- Hail tolerance
- high
- Wind tolerance
- high
- Salt tolerance
- moderate
- Bloom color
- pink
- Pollinator value
- high
- Site uses
- Slopes & erosion control
Things to know before you plant
- ThornyIt is thorny, so site it away from paths, seating, and play areas.
- Messy dropIt drops messy fruit, pods, or litter, so keep it off patios, walks, and pool decks.
Wildlife & ecology
- Pollinator value
- high
- Deer
- Not deer-resistant
Common problems on the Front Range
- Aphids
- Powdery mildew and blackspot
- Japanese beetle
These are general tendencies for this group of plants on the Front Range, not a diagnosis. Many are stress-driven and preventable with good siting and watering. For a specific plant or an active problem, consult a certified arborist or your local CSU Extension office.
Planting & establishment
Drought tolerant once established; benefits from light spring pruning.
- Pruning: light.
- Fruit: ornamental.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Redleaf rose good for the Colorado Front Range?
- Yes, Redleaf rose is a well-suited shrub for Colorado's Front Range.
- What should I know before planting Redleaf rose?
- The main things to know: It is thorny, so site it away from paths, seating, and play areas. It drops messy fruit, pods, or litter, so keep it off patios, walks, and pool decks.
- How big does Redleaf rose get?
- It matures to about 4–7 ft tall and 4–6 ft wide.
- How far apart do I plant Redleaf rose?
- Space Redleaf rose about 6 ft apart for a full, natural form, or about 4 ft apart for a faster hedge or screen.
- Is Redleaf rose hardy on the Front Range?
- Redleaf rose is hardy in USDA 3–9. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b–6a, so it is well within range.
- How much water does Redleaf rose need?
- It needs low water once established.
- How fast does Redleaf rose grow?
- Redleaf rose is a moderate-growing shrub. Growth rate depends on water and site conditions on the Front Range.
- Is Redleaf rose native to Colorado?
- No. It is not a Colorado native, but it grows well on the Front Range.
- Is Redleaf rose deer-resistant?
- No. Redleaf rose is not considered deer-resistant and may need protection where deer browse.
- Is Redleaf rose prone to pests or disease on the Front Range?
- Redleaf rose can be affected by aphids and other issues common to this group on the Front Range. These are general tendencies, not a diagnosis, many are stress-driven and preventable with good siting and watering. For a specific plant or an active problem, consult a certified arborist or CSU Extension.
- Is Redleaf rose a good hedge plant?
- Yes, as an informal hedge. Redleaf rose works best as a relaxed hedge or screen kept to its natural form rather than sheared into a tight box.
